By Bill Scott Aug 4, 2006, 7:54 GMT
Carlsbad, California - Russia's 25-million-dollar woman Maria Sharapova believes that more Grand Slam success would naturally unleash another torrent of endorsement money.
The 2004 Wimbledon winner, who lifted the top title in tennis at age 17, advanced Thursday to the quarter-finals of the Acura Classic, aware that her international marketing clout has sprawling room for expansion.
With an income reported by US-based Sports Illustrated magazine at 25.4 million dollars in 2005, the photogenic teenager stands well behind Tiger Woods, who tops most lists with nearly 100 million dollars in income.
In the rankings for international income outside the massive US media market, Sharapova stands fourth behind Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher of Germany, Italian motorcycle ace Valentino Rossi and Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho.
She even bested British football icon David Beckham.
Sharapova says that tennis is her focus - but the millions that roll in with endorsement deals can make life that much sweeter.
'It's never enough. Bring on the money,' said the Russian with tongue only partly in cheek. 'There's no limit to how much you can make.'
Sharapova is fully booked on the commercial side, with endorsements including mobile phones, a signature perfume, wristwatches, cars and a camera deal, on top of the usual tennis clothing and racket arrangements.
While unwilling to address persistent reports that she and Andy Roddick are a romantic item - 'don't even go there' - Sharapova is ready to consider further business opportunities.
'When you win Wimbledon, you're thinking of all the hard work you put in - not the money,' she said. 'But if you won all four Grand Slams, I'm sure you could earn even more than 100 million dollars.'
Sharapova does occasionally contemplate her vast earning power.
'It's a cool fact,' she said of her ranking in the Sports Illustrated income table. 'But I don't live my life thinking of facts. God gave me a talent, but it was up to me to play my part.'
She said that the time involved in making television commercials is one reason why she has to limit her outside responsibilities.
'I can't say I don't like acting,' she conceded. 'But I can't imagine a career when I have to spend 70 per cent of my time in a trailer eating Snickers bars.'
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